2023 Ford Maverick

The base XL with the hybrid powertrain comes in at just over $22,000, excluding a destination charge of $1,495. Meanwhile, the mid-tier XLT bumps that price up to almost $25,000. Choosing the EcoBoost gas engine doesn't change the price, but pairing it with the all-wheel drivetrain does cost an extra $2,200. If you want the top-tier Lariat in its most powerful guise, including the EcoBoost and AWD, expect to pay in excess of $30,000 before options.

With the Ford Maverick's C2 platform, the pickup can deliver nimble and enjoyable driving characteristics, similar to what you would find with the Escape and Bronco Sport. Sure, it's not quite as b-rawny as traditional full-size trucks, making it a little less suited for heavy-duty work, but it doesn't mean there aren't advantages. Both the steering and suspension system are sharp, which makes it great for urban use - if you can deal with the relatively stiff ride. It does align more with small SUVs in terms of proportions, so it may feel top-heavy if you put too much energy into your steering movements.

If you want to have some fun behind the wheel, a quick review of the Ford Maverick's EcoBoost 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine option will work perfectly with its 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque output. The Hybrid's 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine and permanent-magnet synchronous motor powered by a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery works great for saving fuel but there is little to be admired about its performance characteristics.

While not perfect in some categories, the new Ford Maverick pickup truck has a lot going for it that sees it near the top of the segment over some of its more established rivals. Compact proportions make it easy to live with in urban settings while maintaining the versatility of a truck with its generous cargo facilities. Both engines are fit for moderate truck work, but if you want to do heavy hauling, shop one truck size up - the Maverick can't tow more than 4,000 pounds behind it or carry more than 1,500 lbs in the bed.

If you are looking for a general lifestyle truck with a bit of oomph, the EcoBoost and its eight-speed automatic are responsive and rather refined. The hybrid version is clearly focused on saving fuel as it can get a bit rough higher up in the rev range. Maintaining a light throttle is in your best interest in achieving favorable mpg returns, which in turn detracts from its capability. The Maverick comes with a reasonable amount of standard features across all trims, but if you want a truly comprehensive ownership experience, be prepared to fork out for the optional extras.

Ford offers the Maverick in three easy-to-digest trim levels, each available with the hybrid or EcoBoost powertrain. While the Maverick XL's $22,000 starting seems tempting, it's easy to jack the price up to over $38,000 with a fully-loaded Lariat trim with the First Edition Package. We'd settle somewhere in the middle, opting for the XLT trim while keeping the more efficient hybrid drivetrain. The $1,730 XLT Luxury Package seems worth the price for a power driver's seat, 400W/100V inverter, bed rails, spray-in bedliner, heated seats, remote start, a leather steering wheel, and more. Ford Co-Pilot 360 is a handy $650 option that nets you blind-spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Unfortunately, the XLT misses out on push-button start, so you start it with an old-fashioned key. The truck we described will cost just over $26,000, regardless of the engine you choose. For avid off-roaders, the Tremor Packages are a must.